WHAT TECHNICAL TO FISH TROUT ?

The opening of the trout usually heralds the beginning of the freshwater fishing season. There are high hopes of catching the first fish of the season. To have a successful opening day, there is no miracle technique but several effective techniques you should know.

With a toc? With lures? Fly fishing? There are many approaches that can work and bring immense joy at the water's edge at this start of the season. Today we are showing you all these techniques to guide you through the season.

TOC FISHING

Toc fishing, in the river, is a travelling or "roaming" style of fishing. Borders, obstacles (stones, branches ...) are explored by holding the wire in the hand. The line is allowed to drift in the current, in order to find beautiful trout. The rod is held with a strong hand while the wire is gently pinched by the other hand. When the trout takes the bait this is faithfully relayed by the cane. It is this "toc" that indicates when to strike.

This technique, simple and effective, allows fishing at almost all kinds of positions and rivers.

Equipment:

As for equipment, several types of rods can be used for fishing with natural bait depending on the configuration of the fishing area.

· On clear rivers,an English style rod allows good control of the drift of the line and feels the most discreet of touches.

· On small crowded rivers, the use of a rod with inside wire must be recommended in order to prevent it getting caught in the branches.

A telescopic rod that adjusts between 4m and 5m, is a good compromise that will cope with many situations.

In toc fishing, the reel serves merely as storage for the wire. This is usually a rotating drum model that can be increased for a faster recovery of the line. A model with fixed drum (ultralight type) allows you to cast.

For the main line we recommend that you use a fluorescent colour(14/100 to 20/100) so you can easily see the line in the current. The use of a guide wire allows even more visibility. A micro-swivel located at the end of the main line will prevent twisting of the wire and make it easier to change leaders in different fishing situations.

The leader is made up of the jighead and the hook. The jighead slides in order to provide the most natural presentation of the bait. A selection of soft sinkers(size no. 10 to 5) will allow you to quickly rig the line while easily adapting to exploring position, depending on the depth or the speed of the current. On average rivers where the current is fairly fast, the jighead should be spread so that the drift is natural. On fast rivers with waterfalls, for example, the jighead will be grouped to allow the bait to stay near the bottom.

#Caperlan Tip

For a clearer presentation, the hook must be of the same size and the same shade as the bait used.

Baits for opening

From spring onwards, trout feed on larvae they find in large quantities at the bottom. Ringworm is the king of baits this season, in shallow and clear waters. If the waters are tinted, the caddisfly larvae will be more suitable. They can be quickly gathered from under stones and rocks.

A large earthworms can make all the difference on very tinted flood waters.

The line must be cast far enough upstream, so it has time to be positioned optimally on the opposite post.

Especially effective for the opening, toc fishing is a complete and natural technique that allows effective fishing throughout the season.

FISHING WITH LURES

This technique involves luring the trout by directly presenting him on his position with a lure such as a spoon, A crankbait or even a soft lure.

As for equipment, for the opening, a lightweight casting set made up of a short rod of 1.80 m is perfect for trout fishing in most 1st category rivers. The lure must be cast upstream of the position where the fish is hiding. When the latter sees the lure pass close to its cache, it will attack, either for food or to defend its territory. If it refuses to bite, we need to change the composition "menu". Soft shad type baits (fish shaped)? Small crankbaits? Bright colours? There are so many combinations that can turn out to bring rewards and make this fishing rich and exciting.

#L'Astuce Caperlan

Fixing a swivel clip is very convenient for quickly changing lures without having to cut the leader. Moreover, the swivel avoids twisting of the wire. Its use is highly recommended if you are fishing with spinners.

Fishing with lures is also ideal for beginners because it allows them to quickly acquire basic techniques. Bringing a spinner along a riverbank can be learned in minutes and can allow you to catch a lot of fish if the conditions are right.

FLY FISHING

The principle of this fishing is to lure the fish with an artificial bait called a "fly". This technique requires the use of a rod and a specific reel. The use of a silk, will allow the projection of the fly tens of meters by "whipping" it and depositing it gently in order to encourage trout to swallow it up. It is a fishing technique that is mainly practised as sight fishing and provides unique sensations.

A fly imitates small winged or non-winged insects which the trout feeds on. They can be imitative and resemble an insect's every lastdry feature or "motivational" and playing simply to the aggressiveness of the trout.

In rivers, the flies used resemble aquatic insects at different stages of development. We can identify four major fly families:

· The dry fly (insect on the water surface)

· The drowned (fishing under the water film)

The nymphs(imitations of small larvae living under the water)

· The streamers(imitation of small fish)

Nymphs are excellent in the early season for exploring the borders. Trout can be reluctant, at this time, to come to the surface to eat. Using a heavy nymph, you can easily explore all the water veins in order to present your tasty morsels to the trout "on a platter".

#Caperlan Tip

A little advice, wait out the end of your drift before removing your water nymph. This is often the time that trout choose to come and take the fly.

All these techniques can potentially allow you to catch fish at the opening, as well as during the rest of the season. Your experience, your feelings and your personality are what you need now to help you choose the technique to use at the water's edge.